By Reliance Roof Troop
By Reliance Roof Troop
If you are preparing for a roof replacement, one of the first decisions you will face is choosing the right shingle. Most homeowners today hear two terms. Architectural shingles and 3 tab shingles. While both were widely used in past decades, only one remains the industry standard in 2025. In this guide, we break down the difference between the two, why 3 tab shingles are being phased out, and what homeowners in Northwest Indiana need to know before starting their roofing project.
Understanding 3 Tab Shingles
For many years, 3 tab shingles were the most common roofing material used on residential homes. They are made from asphalt, similar to architectural shingles, but designed with three uniform cutouts that create a flat appearance. This style was once used to mimic the look of slate roofing, especially on homes built in the nineties and early two thousands.
Today however, 3 tab shingles are considered an outdated product. They are no longer produced at scale and the color options available have been reduced to only a few selections from a small number of manufacturers. Their wind rating is lower than modern shingles and their overall durability is not ideal for the storms and wind gusts common in Northwest Indiana. Even though some shingles are listed with wind ratings such as 100 miles per hour, we regularly see wind gusts of 60 to 80 miles per hour that can damage both 3 tab and architectural shingles.
More importantly, when homeowners or potential buyers see a 3 tab roof, the immediate assumption is that the roof is old, even if it was installed recently. That reduced curb appeal alone is a significant reason the industry is moving away from this product.
What Are Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, have become the mainstream product used across nearly every new roof installation today. They are thicker, more durable, and built with multiple layers that give the roof a dimensional and visually appealing appearance. Because they are manufactured at a much larger scale, they have more color options, better performance in harsh climates, and generally a longer lifespan.
Architectural shingles are currently the most popular roofing choice in the United States. Their higher demand means they are produced at greater volume, which actually makes them more affordable today compared to 3 tab shingles. This helps explain why nearly all new roof installations rely on architectural shingles rather than outdated 3 tab designs.
Why 3 Tab Shingles Are Being Phased Out
Although 3 tab shingles were once a standard roofing material, the roofing industry is now transitioning away from them entirely. Several major factors play a role.
Limited Manufacturing
Manufacturers are producing fewer 3 tab shingles each year. By 2025, only a small number of colors and styles remain available. Because 3 tabs are no longer in high demand, manufacturers have increased their pricing, making them more expensive than architectural shingles even though they are a lower quality product.
Lower Performance Standards
3 tab shingles do not perform as well under modern weather conditions. They are thinner, lighter, and more prone to wind damage. With Northwest Indiana experiencing strong winds, heavy snow, and severe storms, this reduced durability is a concern.
Insurance Company Requirements
Homeowners across the region are beginning to receive notices from their insurance companies requiring them to replace 3 tab roofs. Insurers do not want to cover products that are considered nonrepairable or outdated. When companies review aerial imagery or conduct drive by inspections, they are identifying homes with 3 tab shingles and informing homeowners that the roof must be replaced within a certain timeframe. These notices typically give homeowners three to twelve months to complete the replacement.
Repairs Becoming Difficult
Because 3 tab shingles are disappearing from the market, repairing an existing 3 tab roof has become increasingly challenging. Even finding matching colors or styles is difficult. Within the next two to three years, it is expected that 3 tab shingles will be completely unavailable for repairs or replacements.
Cost Differences Between the Two
Although a 3 tab shingle seems like a cheaper product, it is now more expensive than architectural shingles due to limited production and low availability. Architectural shingles are produced in large quantities, which keeps pricing competitive and often lower than outdated 3 tabs.
For this reason, installing a full 3 tab roof today does not make practical or financial sense. It is a lower quality product at a higher cost, with limited warranty options and decreasing availability.
Why Reliance Roof Troop Installs Architectural Shingles Only
Reliance Roof Troop has never installed a full 3 tab roofing system. We still use 3 tabs only when necessary for repairs or partial replacements to match an existing roof, but we do not recommend them for new installations. The product is outdated, costs more, and provides significantly less value to the homeowner.
Architectural shingles have become the industry standard for more than fifteen years. They offer better curb appeal, better durability, better long term value, and are far more compatible with today’s insurance and real estate requirements.
Final Thoughts
If you are preparing for a roof replacement in Northwest Indiana, architectural shingles are the clear choice. They outperform 3 tab shingles in every category including lifespan, strength, appearance, availability, and insurance acceptance. With 3 tabs expected to become completely unavailable within the next few years, replacing an existing 3 tab roof sooner rather than later is often the best decision.
If you are unsure which shingles your home has or want a professional inspection, Reliance Roof Troop is here to help. Our team installs high quality architectural roofing systems designed to withstand Northwest Indiana’s climate. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or visit our showroom in Schererville to see roofing samples in person.
